Astana, 21 July 2025 — The Senior Officials Committee (SOC) of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) convened in Astana at the newly inaugurated CICA Headquarters, marking the first official meeting held in the organization’s permanent premises. This session signified the operational launch of the Headquarters and was held under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Opening the meeting, the Azerbaijani Chairmanship extended congratulations to the Republic of Kazakhstan, all CICA Member States as well as to the Secretary General and his team on the successful completion of the Headquarters project — a dedicated facility that embodies the organization’s institutional maturity and long-term vision.
In his remarks, CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay underscored the significance of holding the SOC in this dedicated venue, which now serves as the institutional hub for the organization’s governing bodies and core activities. He expressed sincere appreciation to Member States for their curated national contributions to the Headquarters, which reflect the artistic heritage, cultural richness and shared aspirations of the Asian continent, and noted the presentation of a special anniversary publication In Pursuit of Peace, marking 25 years since the Declaration on CICA Principles and highlighting the organization’s institutional journey.
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Azer Musayev, Director of the Department of Regional Security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, focused on a number of strategic issues outlined in the agenda.
These included the annual review of the implementation of CICA confidence building measures (CBMs), with particular emphasis on the environmental dimension — resulting in a reinforced commitment of Member States to advance cooperation in this area.
In the course of discussions, the SOC preliminary approved the draft regulations for the establishment of the CICA Finance Summit and the CICA Women Council, and recommended their adoption by the CICA Ministerial Council scheduled for September 2025.
The Committee also considered the proposal of the CICA Secretary General on updating the Staff Matrix of the CICA Secretariat, aimed at strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity to effectively implement its expanding mandate, and agreed to continue deliberations on this matter.
Further, delegates discussed the possibility of engaging in contacts with relevant Afghan stakeholders through the facilitation of the CICA Secretariat, with a view to identifying constructive avenues for enabling Afghanistan to benefit from the opportunities offered by CICA Member States.
Member States were briefed on the Secretariat’s ongoing cooperation with international and regional organizations, including updates on existing observer and partner institutions, efforts to forge new partnerships and deepening engagement with global platforms for thematic collaboration.
The Secretary General further informed delegations of the status of ratification of the CICA Convention on Privileges and Immunities — a key legal instrument for reinforcing the organization’s institutional foundation — noting that only one additional ratification is required for its entry into force.
Deputy Secretary General Mrs. Zhang Ling informed delegates about the current status of implementation of CBMs under the priority areas of the CICA dimensions. This was followed by Deputy Secretary General Mr. Farid Damirli, who provided an overview of the objectives of the SME Landscape in Asia: Interactive Guidebook project, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through practical tools for growth and regional integration.
The Committee was also updated on preparations for the upcoming 13th meeting of the CICA Think Tank Forum, the operationalization of the CICA Fund and other organizational developments.
Concluding the session, the SOC reaffirmed the collective commitment of Member States to strengthening dialogue, confidence and cooperation across Asia. It also laid the groundwork for substantive deliberations and possible decisions at the forthcoming Ministerial Council in New York.
Following the SOC, the CICA Special Working Group convened under the Azerbaijani Chairmanship at the CICA Headquarters. Member States completed the first full reading of the draft CICA Charter — a key milestone toward transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization and strengthening its institutional framework.
